Admissions

Welcome From The Principal

I hope these pages will capture your imagination and give you some insights into this remarkable school. For over 160 years, Woodstock has touched the lives of young people from all corners of the globe and from all walks of life who have come to this place to live and learn together.

A Woodstock education combines the very best features of high academic challenge with a unique approach to the enrichment and personal development of young people. We prepare young people for exams and we equip them to earn a living — we do these things with rigour, nurturing the potential and achievement of each individual. Yet the education Woodstock offers is designed to go far beyond these goals, to develop the whole person and not just a part, to help each individual to become, in the words of our mission statement, ‘visionary, articulate and ethical — equipped to achieve their full potential in leadership and in life’.

Woodstock is not an easy option; the challenges are real and the expectations high. From our stunning Himalayan location, we are uniquely placed to span many of the divides that still dominate the 21st century, divides between east and west, rich and poor, creed, culture and race — an inspiring mix of opportunity and challenge. But this is also an immensely rewarding and fulfilling option. For young people excited by the possibility of change and motivated to act through personal example and courageous leadership, there are real opportunities to make a difference.

Visitors to our campus discover the friendly and dynamic atmosphere that makes this such a fascinating place. There is an air of happy purposefulness here, a determination to succeed, to enjoy life, to enjoy each other’s company and, most importantly, to discover that there is far more in each of us than we think!

Frequently Asked Questions

As you consider applying to Woodstock, please take advantage of the information on our website to find out about Woodstock’s programmes, residences, staff and students, fees and the admissions process.

As we talk to people who are considering Woodstock School for their children’s education, some questions come up regularly. We answer those questions on this page.

What Kind Of Alumni Does Woodstock School Produce?

Woodstock alumni are prominent in a wide range of professions, from music and art to science and business, from entrepreneurship to teaching, social service and development. Click here to read about some of Woodstock School’s Distinguished Alumni.

Academics

Is Woodstock School Accredited?

In 1959 Woodstock was the first school in Asia to be accredited by the US Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. For more than fifty years, Woodstock students have received a diploma that enables them to enter colleges and universities in the US and elsewhere. In 2007 Woodstock was again the first school in Asia to be awarded the MSA’s new International Credential, a mark for which our programme meets the stringent criteria for a global style and quality of education. Our most recent re-accreditation was in 2011. Woodstock is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), the National Association of Independent Schools (US), the Headmaster’s Conference, and the Round Square association of schools.

What Is The Curriculum Offered At Woodstock School?

Woodstock’s programme is divided into two sections for Admissions: Middle Years (Grade 5 to Grade 8) and Upper Years (Grade 9 to Grade 12). For full information, please click here to visit the Academics section of the website.

In the Middle Years, students begin to have separate classes for the different subjects, which include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Music, Art, Religious Education and a foreign language (Hindi or French). The Middle Years is also where we locate our main English as a Second Language programme; students with limited English skills are advised to apply for entry into the Middle Grades.

In the Upper Years, students begin to exercise increasing choice as they move through the senior Grades. Grade 10 courses permit students to take the Cambridge IGCSE exams in May and June. The Grades 11 and 12 courses primarily focus on the US College Board-administered Advanced Placement exams. These exams serve two crucial purposes: they allow students preparing for American universities to earn some college credit; and they serve as widely accepted entrance examinations for students heading to the UK or Australia for higher education. Perhaps most importantly, the Woodstock curriculum prepares students to earn a Woodstock Diploma built around our Desired Student Outcomes. The Woodstock US diploma may be certified by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) for admission to universities in India, and is accepted for foreign university admissions in combination with external examination results (SAT, AP).

Outside the classroom, and at every Grade level, we offer a range of activities through the school’s Enrichment Programme, including sports, clubs, hiking, CARE and opportunities to build leadership skills.

What Music Opportunities Are Available At Woodstock School?

Woodstock students learn and grow in their musicianship through our classroom music courses, performance ensembles and private instruction. Student involvement in band, orchestra, choir, Indian music and private instruction is subject to a placement audition.

This audition allows the music faculty the opportunity to determine which instrument and ensemble would best suit a student’s talents and schedule. Classroom music courses, which help to build a student’s knowledge of music, are compulsory from ECP to Grade 8, and optional courses, such as choir, are available for Grades 7 through 12.

Private instruction is highly competitive and is subject to availability. Lessons are offered first to returning students, then to new students with prior learning, then to beginning students.

What Second Languages Does Woodstock School Offer?

Students are offered a range of second languages, including French, Spanish, Hindi and Marathi. There is also support for mother tongue languages including Korean.

For students needing support with English, we offer a full English for Speakers of other Languages (ESL) programme.

What Is The Average Retention For Students And Staff At Woodstock School?

Woodstock School has an incredibly high retention rate for its students. This is exciting for us, as it allows for our students to form life-long bonds with their classmates and long-term staff. It also creates an environment where the student has time to fully embrace the Woodstock School educational philosophy.

As with any international school, there is a mix of longer-serving staff and others who spend just two to four years. The school is committed to encouraging the majority of staff to stay for a minimum of five or six years, and our salary, benefit and professional development policies are geared towards that end.

Does Woodstock School Conduct And Participate In Inter-School Activities?

Woodstock students have a number of opportunities to interact with students from other schools in and around Mussoorie. Inter-school sports, dramatics and other events are held periodically, such as MUN.

Which Grade Should I Apply For?

Policies

What Electronic Devices Are Permitted At Woodstock School?

Students in Grades 7–12 are not permitted phones or I-touches but may bring laptops, music listening devices such as MP3 players, and reasonably sized stereos. Up to Grade 6, no electronic devices are permitted in dorms.

Students in these Grades may have a mobile phone which is retained by the residence staff and issued each day for about an hour to enable them to contact their parents.

Any devices students bring to the school are their own responsibility and the school does not accept any liability for the safekeeping of such devices.

Inappropriate use of devices will result in confiscation for up to two weeks. If caught a second time, the device will be confiscated for a month.

Is There A School Uniform?

No, Woodstock students do not have a uniform, but they do need to follow a dress code. Further information will be provided once the child has been accepted to Woodstock.

What Is The School’s Policy On Bullying?

Woodstock School places a high value on the development of respectful relationships within the student community, and any incidents of inappropriate behaviour are investigated and resolved speedily.

What Is Woodstock School’s Policy On Substance Abuse?

Woodstock does not tolerate drug or substance use. Woodstock follows strict disciplinary procedures with any student found to be using or selling drugs, tobacco or alcohol.